Mariam Harley (left) and Wade Rathke, of Southern United Neighborhoods, talk to Booker Smith (right) about signing up for health insurance through the federal marketplace.

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Roberto Monsanto is skeptical about whether the Affordable Care Act will live up to its promise but wants to explore his options. "I don't see it helping anybody right now," he said as he prepared to talk to a navigator at Shreveport's first large-scale enrollment event.

Monsanto cites news about policy cancellations and premium increases and worries he might lose his Blue Cross Blue Shield coverage. He was among about 60 people at the event seeking general information or step-by-step help filling out a paper application.